R for reverse and back up camera when in park.

Need a little help here my fellow Tacommion Brothers & Sisters. I've Been doing a good bit of updating to my 2012 2.7L Prerunner of late. And I thought that perhaps I had caused the problem that I am asking for help to diagnose. But the more I troubleshoot the more I am left to think that perhaps this issue has come about by coincidence. Whatever the case, I admit to a certain amount of ignorance contributed on my behalf, learning how can be quite a journey.

Here's a little background info that might be relevant in developing a proper theory. Since I completed Rylands AKA Crash&Burns Ultimate Headlight mod I have been installing VLEDS offerings throughout my Prerunner. I have them now as switchback DRLS, Backup light, L&R rear blinkers as well as an insane License Plate backup light bar that is powered when in reverse.

All of which are plug and play with NO FRANKENSTINE WIRE SNIPPING ETC... So all was well with all of these additions until yesterday when we decided to move the truck from where we had been working on it and take the boss lady to town.

So here's what is happening. When I start the truck all three of my backup lights are on what looks like 10% of their power as well as my back up camera is showing the image of the rear as if I were in reverse. Also, the Red or Orange (R) for reverse is constantly on in my dashboard. When I actually put the truck in reverse the L & R and center plate light I installed go full power as designed. The truck will go into drive as well as reverse etc. but while in drive it will not shift out of what I think is first gear.

Is the addition causing this issue? Have I wired something wrong? Or is this a coincidence of a known issue with a failed sensor etc. that I need to replace?

 

Here is a hint:

1.) It was working fine before I did some modifications.
2.) Modifications were performed.
3.) Now it is not working correctly.

Conclusion: The modifications screwed something up.

I would GUESS that the reverse signal is getting feedback voltage from one of your mods and it is signaling that it is in reverse while in park.

I would remove everything back to original and see where it is at that point. That will probably take care of your issue.

 

That's the plain, I felt a little weird having so much help to do everything at once. And in the end, it took away our ability to see individual results, etc. Will the truck recognize the correction right away or is there a reset procedure etc.? I actually pulled the head unit early yesterday and went back stock thinking it was a good place to start since its installation was not complete.

 

Yeah, I agree, I've decided to return it to stock and then one step at a time add the VLED's and watch for the fault. These bulbs are outstanding and designed for the application so hopefully, I'll find something I did and not have to abandon their use.

 

I would be looking closely at the ground wires (white w/black tracer stripe) to the taillights, and their connections. If memory serves correctly, there is a ground point to the steel bed structure or rear of the frame visible when the lights are removed, or up from below.

 

Well, I took the time today to thoroughly troubleshoot this issue and thankfully was able to locate the problem. Believe it or not, it was the new VLED's V6 Extreme LED bulbs in the Backup position. As to why this would cause this reaction no one I have talked to seems to have any idea. But so it goes with modding, right? But you know even with this disappointment, I must say that VLED has behaved as a class act from start to finish with my dealings and gladly offered any tech needs I had during my installation.

As for the rest of the VLED install, I really like the new DRL V6 Switchbacks with their super-rich Amber color in their front and rear turn signals passions. And the switchback's ability to go from super white DRLs to lower-powered nighttime runners with your choice of Amber or White. All things considered, I'm pretty sure that VLED has been long established as a company that provides quality offerings. My experience is that this remains unchanged.